In soccer, what is the primary purpose of the penalty shootout?

The primary purpose of the penalty shootout is to break a tie when the match is still tied after overtime. In soccer, when the score is tied at the end of regulation time and after any additional extra time (overtime), a penalty shootout is used to determine the winner of the match. This procedure involves each team taking a series of penalty kicks from the designated spot, typically with five attempts per team in the initial phase, to ascertain which team can score the most goals under the pressure of a goalkeeper trying to prevent them.

The shootout serves as a definitive way to declare a winner, particularly in knockout competitions where advancing to the next round is necessary. By employing this format, it ensures that a conclusive result is reached rather than remaining in a stalemate after additional playing time. This process is structured and fair, compelling each team to face the same conditions while allowing the tension of the moment to unfold in a dramatic fashion.